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Question

Which one of the following is the main feature of qualitative research?

This question was previously asked in
UGC NET 2019 Home Science Question Paper (04-Dec-2019) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

Avoids positivist assumptions and data analysis.

To determine the correct feature of qualitative research from the given options, let's first understand what qualitative research entails.

Qualitative Research: This type of research is primarily exploratory and used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem and helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. Some of its main characteristics include:

  1. Subjectivity and Contextual Understanding: It focuses on understanding phenomena from a subjective, contextual, and holistic perspective.
  2. Avoidance of Positivist Assumptions: Unlike quantitative research, which is based on the positivist paradigm, qualitative research avoids such assumptions. It does not rely on numerical data or statistical analyses. Instead, it seeks rich descriptions and understandings.
  3. Data Collection: Data is collected through methods like interviews, observations, and content analysis, which are generally non-numerical.
  4. Flexibility in Research Design: The design can be adjusted as new insights emerge during the study.

Now, let's evaluate the given options:

  • Avoids positivist assumptions and data analysis: This option accurately reflects a key feature of qualitative research as it relies on subjective, narrative data rather than numerical analysis.
  • Subscribes to preexisting categories: This is more characteristic of quantitative research, which often begins with categories or a set hypothesis.
  • Collects data in numerical form: This describes quantitative research, not qualitative research.
  • Uses empirical method of data analysis: While empirical methods can include both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the term often refers to quantifiable and data-driven research, thereby not distinctly pointing to qualitative research.

From this analysis, the correct answer is clearly:

Avoids positivist assumptions and data analysis. This characteristic aligns well with the fundamental nature of qualitative research, which focuses on understanding the richness of human thoughts and behaviors without relying on numerical data.

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Similar Questions

  1. Which of the following are characteristics of qualitative research?

    A. It liberally uses statistical tests.
    B. It is narrative.
    C. It is laboratory-oriented.
    D. It is interpretative.
    E. It focuses on the cultural construction of meaning.

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  2. The criterion of 'transferability' in qualitative research is equivalent to which of the following criteria in quantitative research?

  3. As compared to quantitative researchers, qualitative researchers lay more emphasis on

  4. The grounded theory approach involves analysis of

  5. A major component of ethnographic research is

  6. From the following list identify the qualitative research characteristics and select your answer from the codes given below:
    (i) Creating purpose statements and research questions.
    (ii) Stating the purpose and research questions in a broad way.
    (iii) Collecting data based on words from a small number of individuals.
    (iv) Collecting numeric data and statistical analysis.
    (v) Using text analysis and Interpreting larger meanings of the findings.
    Code:

  7. Participant observation is a part of:

  8. Below are given a few key terms. Identify these which denote qualitative research paradigm.
    (a) Ex post facto method
    (b) Ethnography
    (c) Symbolic interaction
    (d) Descriptive survey
    (e) Narrative
    (f) Experimental method

  9. In which of the following research methods the emphasis is laid on naturalistic settings and meaning-giving processes?


Important Questions from Qualitative Research

  1. Which of the following are the disadvantages of qualitative research?

    A. Too sensitive to the context

    B. Open to debate

    C. Too subjective

    D. Difficult to generalize

    E. Issue of replication
    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  2. Given below are two statements :

    Statement I :Visual ethnnography as a recent branch of research is dependent upon photo-elicitation to a large extent.

    Statement II : The visual research has not helped in empowering the marginalised people.

    In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

  3. Match List I with List II:

    List I

    (Types of case)

    List II

    (Description)

    (A)

    Critical case

    (I)

    Provides an opportunity to analyse a previously inaccessible phenomenon.

    (B)

    Unique case

    (II)

    Based on a well-developed theory 

    (C)

    Representative case

    (III)

    Normally selected for clinical studies. 

    (D)

    Revelatory case

    (IV)

    Related to common place situation

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  4. Given below are two statements:

    Statement I: A rigid application of ethical principles is not possible in ethnographic research.

    Statement II: The principle of informed consent is theoretical, as pre-information is likely to affect the research findings.

    In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  5. Arrange the following steps pertaining to quantitative research in correct order:

    A. Analyse data

    B. Hypothesis

    C. Process data

    D. Findings

    E. Research Design

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

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